An open-air market is held in downtown Chemainus on Wednesdays throughout the summer. In early July and late August, the town hosts a "giant market day" that fills Willow Street to the brim with street vendors.
Fashion
In an era of mass-manufactured clothing, Chemainus is home to two respected designers with their own retail outlets. Itzyu Designs Natural Fibre Clothing (9739 Willow Street) carries linen, hemp, bamboo and cotton clothing for men and women, much of it designed by owner Nicki Gurr and manufactured in Vancouver.
For a bona fide made-in-Chemainus look, Degage Fashion Ltd. (9774 Willow) sells hand-washable women's clothing designed by owner Sherri Dusseault at her own local factory. The Kinney Clothing Co. (2881 Mill Street) is housed in a former bowling alley where shoppers stroll down the original hardwood lanes while flipping through namebrand fashions.
Antiques
Antique hounds have a half-dozen outlets to choose from in the area. Some 20 dealers share space at the Willow Antique Mall (9756E Willow); Royal Dalton figurines, rare books, vintage glassware, and jewelry are among the finds. The Highway Antique Emporium, a barn-like structure at the corner of Henry Road and the Trans Canada, is another vintage superstore. Factor in nearby Ladysmith's own mega-sized Post Office Antique Mall, and the area is irresistible for collectors.
Candy Outlets
Expect to pick up an extra pound or two on any main street Chemainus shopping excursion. Handmade chocolates and arguably the best fudge on the island are made on the premises at Caffe Caravaggio (9756C Willow). A staggering selection of old-fashioned and new-fangled bon bons fill every available shelf and corner of Hansel & Gretel's Candy Co. (9748 Willow). Ice cream aficionados will enjoy the gelato and fresh-made waffle cones from Billy's Delight Ice Cream Parlor (9752 Willow).
Other Retail Shops
Soccer jerseys and specialty food items are among the UK-centric imports at British Allsorts (9776 Willow). Vancouver Island Soap Factory (2865 Oak Street) carries its own line of Kogi Naturals beauty products made in Chemainus. Twisted Sisters Tea Room (9885 Maple Street) offers dozens of varieties of loose-leaf tea for takeaway or to drink on the spot along with light meals and desserts. Among the several gift shops in town, The General Store (9752 Willow) with its array of dishware, purses and wind chimes, and Toad Hall Emporium (9738 Willow) are good bets for browsers.
Check with the Chemainus Visitor Centre for more information about markets and retail locations in town.
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